Jack's final deep dives include his CNBC cable show. By May 2001 Jack's CNBC Business Center show is directly competing with CNN's Lou Dobbs' Moneyline show. Jack contends with CNN's heavy promotions by lengthening his show's format, spending an additional $2 million to promote his show and by arranging prime promos during the NBA playoffs over the weekend. By Thursday of the opening week, Jack's audience is larger than Dobbs'.

Jack also wants to do more with noninvasive, non-radiation ultrasound imaging technology. He rejects an expensive acquisition to improve GE's competitive position and instead, turns to internal development, headed by an ultrasound expert who's worked for a major competitor. Within four years (1996-2000), the company goes from zero to No.1. GE's CT system is so good, it is difficult to determine how to make the tube for it better. It takes 5 years to expand the tube life from...